PITTSBURGH – Redemption came swiftly for DK LaFleur and the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a humbling Week 1 defeat at the hands of Cleveland, the Steelers walked into their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints with something to prove. Behind a flawless outing from quarterback Desmond Ridder, clutch performances from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jaylen Watson, and a timely defensive stand in the red zone, Pittsburgh silenced critics and secured its first win of the season.
The Steelers improved to 1–1 with a 45–28 victory over a Saints team that, despite the loss, showcased one of the most explosive offensive performances the league has seen this season. Rookie quarterback John Mateer lived up to his billing as a dual threat, throwing for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns on an astonishing 30 completions out of 34 attempts. His command of the field was nearly surgical, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome the balance and resilience of a Steelers team determined to get back on track.
Ridder Rebounds
For Desmond Ridder, Sunday’s game was more than just a bounce back. After an up-and-down debut in Week 1, he responded with the best performance of his young Steelers career. Ridder finished the game completing 23 of 29 passes for 381 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
The most impressive part wasn’t just the numbers, but the poise. Ridder looked in total command of the offense, spreading the ball with confidence and precision. His timing with Amon-Ra St. Brown was sharp, his touch passes to the sideline were crisp, and he rarely looked rattled even as the Saints’ defense sent pressure.
“Desmond was locked in from the first drive,” LaFleur said postgame. “He was decisive, efficient, and trusted his reads. That’s what we’ve been waiting to see, just a complete game. He didn’t force anything. He just let it come to him.” And come to him it did. Ridder was connecting deep, short, and everywhere in between to eight different receivers.
Amon-Ra the Assassin
While Ridder orchestrated the offense, Amon-Ra St. Brown provided the fireworks. In only his second game wearing black and gold, the former Lion lit up the scoreboard with 8 catches for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. The chemistry between Ridder and St. Brown already looks natural, and the connection is quickly becoming the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s passing attack.
“Every time we needed a play, 14 delivered,” LaFleur said. “He’s setting a tone for our offense just being physical, consistent, and relentless.”
Supporting Cast Shines
Tight end Jonnu Smith made his presence felt as well, turning in 4 receptions for 121 yards, with each one coming at a critical moment. Alec Pierce chipped in with 3 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown, continuing to prove his value as a deep threat and red-zone weapon, as he struck for a 24-yard touchdown in the corner of the endzone.
Meanwhile, running back Nate Carter quietly anchored the ground game, rushing 13 times for 47 yards, and contributed through the air with 2 catches for 23 yards. Though the Saints’ front held him in check for much of the afternoon, Carter’s physicality helped balance the offense and keep the defense honest.
Defense Bends, Then Breaks the Game Open
Facing Mateer and the Saints’ retooled offense was no small task. New Orleans came out firing, using tempo, motion, and play-action to keep the Steelers on their heels. Mateer completed 88 percent of his passes, spreading the ball with ease and finding holes in coverage. Every time Pittsburgh appeared ready to seize control, the Saints’ rookie answered with another big play.
But when it mattered most, the Steelers defense found its identity. With the Saints driving late in and threatening to tie the game, veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey delivered the play of the day. As Mateer scrambled and delivered a pass, Ramsey met the receiver head-on and jarred the ball loose. Linebacker Payton Wilson was there for the recovery, ending a long drive and shifting momentum entirely.
“That was a championship-caliber play,” LaFleur said of Ramsey’s forced fumble. “That’s why he’s here, to make plays that flip games.”
Not to be outdone, Jaylen Watson continued his sensational start to the season. A week after returning an interception for a touchdown against Cleveland, Watson struck again, and this time scooping up a fumble and returning it 97 yards for a score after an ill-advised pitch by the Saints offense.
“He’s just got that nose for the end zone right now,” LaFleur said with a grin. “You can’t coach that.”
Watson’s fumble return was the exclamation point on a night where Pittsburgh’s defense refused to break. Ramsey finished with 8 tackles, a tackle for loss, and the game-changing forced fumble. The front seven held New Orleans to limited rushing success to 23 yards on 17 total carries, forcing them into a one-dimensional attack that, while explosive, couldn’t overcome timely takeaways.
The Message from LaFleur
After the game, LaFleur’s tone was calm but proud. The win was satisfying, but the message remained the same, and this team needs to be more disciplined.
“We cleaned a lot up from last week,” LaFleur said. “We didn’t play perfect, but we played together. That’s what matters. Guys trusted the plan, stayed within themselves, and made plays when they had to. That’s the kind of football we expect to play every week.”
The victory lifts Pittsburgh to 1–1, while the Saints fall to 0–2 in what’s quickly becoming a pivotal stretch for Coach CoolUnderFire. Despite Mateer’s dazzling debut, questions continue to swirl about the Saints’ identity and long-term plan.
For the Steelers, however, the picture is clear. This was the game that reestablished their foundation with a blend of sharp quarterback play, explosive receivers, and opportunistic defense.
Next week brings new challenges, but if Sunday was any indication, DK LaFleur’s team has found its stride.
– Forged In Steel Times
